BUDDHA. Etymologically, the Sanskrit/Pali word buddha means "one who has awakened"; in the context of Indian religions it is used as an honorific title for an individual who is enlightened. This metaphor indicates the change in consciousness that, according to Buddhism, is always characteristic of enlightenment. It suggests the otherness and splendor associated with those named by this epithet in various Buddhist traditions. Buddha is also related etymologically to the Sanskrit/Pali term buddhi, which signifies "intelligence" and "understanding." A person who has awakened can thus be said to be "one who knows."

Within the traditional Buddhist context buddha is an appellative term or title—that is, a term or title that is inclusive in character. As with all titles of office (e.g., king), the term buddha denotes not merely the individual incumbent but also a larger conceptual framework. As an appellative, buddha describes a person...